Complete Landscaping Guide
Concrete is the foundation of many outdoor projects: patios, sidewalks, driveways, and garage floors. Getting the right thickness and amount is crucial for a project that lasts decades.
| Project | Thickness | PSI Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patio | 4 inches | 3,000 | Standard for foot traffic |
| Sidewalk | 4 inches | 3,000 | Check local codes for width |
| Driveway (cars) | 4-5 inches | 3,500 | Thicker at edges |
| Driveway (trucks/RV) | 5-6 inches | 4,000 | Add fiber reinforcement |
| Garage floor | 4-6 inches | 3,500 | Reinforce with rebar or mesh |
| Amount | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Under 0.5 cubic yard | Use bags (80 lb) | Manageable to mix yourself |
| 0.5-1 cubic yard | Bags or rent a mixer | 40-60 bags is a lot of work |
| 1-2 cubic yards | Ready-mix trailer | Rent from Home Depot/Lowe's |
| 2+ cubic yards | Ready-mix truck delivery | $125-175/yard, 1 yard minimum |
Ready-mix trucks charge by time on site. Have your forms, rebar, and crew ready before the truck arrives. Most give you 5-7 minutes per yard before overtime charges kick in.
Order 10% extra for waste, uneven ground, and spillage. Running short mid-pour is a disaster. Leftover concrete can make stepping stones or fill low spots.
Pavers offer the beauty of custom patterns without the permanence of poured concrete. They're DIY-friendly and can be repaired by replacing individual units.
90% of paver failures are from poor base preparation. Don't skip these layers:
| Layer | Material | Depth | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excavation | Remove soil | 7-9 inches | Room for all layers |
| Base | Crushed gravel (3/4") | 4-6 inches | Drainage and support |
| Bedding | Coarse concrete sand | 1 inch | Leveling surface |
| Pavers | Your choice | 2-3 inches | Walking surface |
| Joints | Polymeric sand | Fill to top | Locks pavers, blocks weeds |
Different patterns require more cuts. Order extra based on your pattern:
| Pattern | Extra % | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Stack bond (grid) | 5% | Easy |
| Running bond | 5-10% | Easy |
| Basketweave | 10% | Medium |
| Herringbone (45°) | 15-20% | Hard |
| Circular/fan | 20%+ | Expert |
Rent a plate compactor ($50-75/day). Compact the gravel base in 2-inch lifts, then compact again after laying pavers. This prevents settling.
Mulch does more than look good - it retains moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds. Apply fresh mulch annually for best results.
| Type | Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwood mulch | 1-2 years | Flower beds, trees |
| Pine bark | 2-3 years | Acid-loving plants |
| Cedar mulch | 2-3 years | Insect-prone areas |
| Rubber mulch | 10+ years | Playgrounds (doesn't decompose) |
| Pine straw | 6-12 months | Slopes (interlocks) |
| Application | Depth | Coverage per Yard |
|---|---|---|
| Refreshing existing mulch | 1 inch | 324 sq ft |
| Flower beds | 2 inches | 162 sq ft |
| Tree rings, shrubs | 3 inches | 108 sq ft |
| Weed suppression | 4 inches | 81 sq ft |
More than 4 inches can suffocate roots and cause rot. Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from tree trunks and plant stems.
Gravel is versatile and economical for driveways, pathways, drainage, and decorative landscaping. Different types serve different purposes.
| Type | Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 3/8" | Pathways, patios, drainage |
| Crushed stone | 1/2" - 3/4" | Driveways, base material |
| River rock | 1" - 3" | Decorative, dry creek beds |
| Decomposed granite | Fine | Paths, compacts well |
| #57 stone | 3/4" | Drainage, French drains |
| Application | Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Walking paths | 2-3 inches | Use edging to contain |
| Decorative beds | 2 inches | Install landscape fabric first |
| Driveway (light use) | 4 inches | Compact well |
| Driveway (heavy use) | 6 inches | Layer different sizes |
| French drain | 4+ inches | Wrap with landscape fabric |
Gravel is sold by the cubic yard or by the ton. Here's how they convert:
| Gravel Type | Tons per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|
| Pea gravel | 1.35 |
| Crushed stone | 1.40 |
| River rock | 1.50 |
| Base gravel (crusher run) | 1.50 |
For a gravel driveway that lasts, use 3 layers: 4" of large crushed stone on bottom, 2" of smaller stone, then 2" of fine gravel or crusher run on top. Compact each layer.
Sod gives you an instant lawn - no waiting weeks for grass to grow. It's more expensive than seed but establishes faster and prevents erosion immediately.
| Unit | Size | Square Feet |
|---|---|---|
| Roll (standard) | 2' × 5' | 10 sq ft |
| Slab | 16" × 24" | 2.67 sq ft |
| Pallet (typical) | Varies | 450-500 sq ft |
| Big roll (commercial) | 42" wide | 100+ sq ft |
Install sod in spring or fall when temperatures are 60-75°F. Avoid summer heat - sod can cook on the pallet if not installed quickly.
Seeding is the economical choice for new lawns and repairs. Success depends on choosing the right grass type for your climate and proper timing.
| Climate | Best Grasses | Best Time to Seed |
|---|---|---|
| Cool (North) | Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass | Early fall (best) or spring |
| Warm (South) | Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine | Late spring / early summer |
| Transition zone | Tall Fescue, Bermuda, Zoysia | Fall or late spring |
| Grass Type | New Lawn | Overseeding |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 2-3 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | 1-2 lbs / 1,000 sq ft |
| Tall Fescue | 6-8 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | 3-4 lbs / 1,000 sq ft |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 8-10 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | 4-5 lbs / 1,000 sq ft |
| Fine Fescue | 4-5 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | 2-3 lbs / 1,000 sq ft |
| Bermuda | 1-2 lbs / 1,000 sq ft | 0.5-1 lb / 1,000 sq ft |
The #1 reason seeds fail is poor soil contact. After spreading, lightly rake the seed into the top 1/4" of soil, then roll with a lawn roller. Cover with straw for moisture retention.
A wood privacy fence adds value, security, and curb appeal. Careful planning and proper post setting are the keys to a fence that lasts 20+ years.
| Component | Typical Size | Spacing |
|---|---|---|
| Posts | 4×4 (8' for 6' fence) | Every 6-8 feet |
| Rails | 2×4 (8' length) | 2-3 per section based on height |
| Pickets | 1×6 or 5/8×6 (dog-ear) | 0" gap for privacy |
| Concrete | 50 lb bags | 2 bags per post |
| Fence Height | Post Length | Hole Depth | Hole Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 feet | 6 feet | 24 inches | 8-10 inches |
| 6 feet | 8 feet | 24-30 inches | 10-12 inches |
| 8 feet | 10-11 feet | 30-36 inches | 12 inches |
Call 811 at least 3 days before digging. They'll mark underground utilities for free. Hitting a gas line or cable can be dangerous and expensive.
Raised beds give you control over soil quality and drainage. They're easier on your back and warm up faster in spring for earlier planting.
| Plants | Minimum Depth | Ideal Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Lettuce, herbs, radishes | 6 inches | 8-10 inches |
| Beans, peppers, cucumbers | 10 inches | 12 inches |
| Tomatoes, squash, corn | 12 inches | 18 inches |
| Carrots, potatoes, parsnips | 12 inches | 18-24 inches |
Basic Mix (40/40/20):
Mel's Mix (Square Foot Gardening):
One cubic yard fills about 40 sq ft at 8" deep. If you need more than 1 yard, bulk delivery saves 50%+ vs. buying bags.